The Alphas & The Heiress

Chapter 6

Rohanor

"Everything all set for tomorrow?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Let's grab Varian and head out, I want to make sure the borders are clear. I don't want any surprises tomorrow while our mystery guests are here."

Varian you ready to head out? I mindlink my brother

It's a bit early for the bar, don't you think? He pokes fun.

Runidar and I will be leaving in 5,  join us or don't. I'm not in the mood for games.

It's been three years since my twin brother Varian and I took over as Alphas, and I feel like we just hit our stride. The pack morale is high, our businesses are prosperous, and besides the occasional rogue we haven't had anything of consequence to deal with. We've even made strong allies with a few other packs by offering our aid when we could. But I'm not naive enough to think it will stay this way. No one's luck is that good.

My wolf has been on edge the past few weeks and I wonder if he senses something looming in the distance or if he's just sulking over our latest argument. The great mate debate, a war that has been raging between Varian and me and our wolves since our 18th birthday three years ago. At first we didn't particularly care either way if we found them or not. But the more time that's passed the more we've grown attached to our bachelorhood. We answer to no one, we don't have to deal with relationship drama on top of running an entire pack. We can have our fun and our freedom.

Our wolves are very much against this mentality. They think having mates will strengthen our bond as brothers, as alphas, in addition to the entire pack. We've even been encouraged by some to consider taking chosen mates. But quite frankly, there isn't a single female, ranked or otherwise, that has proven herself to be worthy of the Luna title. Most can barely hold a conversation, let alone a weapon. We've been encouraging pack females to attend training sessions, but co-ed sessions have proven fruitless - at least where battle is concerned. Now we have separate training for males and females, so that's double the training sessions. All the more reason we don't have time for mates.

Varian is waiting in front of the packhouse when our beta, Runidar, and I walk out. The three of us start heading to the patrol stations to go over the shift schedules, any areas of weakness, etc. We're halfway to the northern guard tower when we get a mindlink from two of our guards on the east side.

Sir there's a man setting up camp just beyond the eastern border.

This rogue must have a death wish, setting up camp on the outskirts of established pack lands?

Hold him, we're on our way.

My wolf is restless, his pacing is giving me a migraine. Varian links me as we make our way over.

Same, but mine's been on edge for weeks so it's not unusual.

We're nearly to the clearing when I catch a faint scent of rose and balsam. It's intoxicating.

Mate.

Varian is sniffing the air frantically, his eyes darkening. I know he can smell her too. Our mate.

Mate. She's around here somewhere, I link to Varian.

We reach the clearing where the intruder is being held and Varian lets out an annoyed huff.

Her scent is all over this guy, she'll be back. Varian nods towards the intruder.

His comment about her scent being all over the rogue is true, I can tell they spend a lot of time together. Something about that idea makes my jaw tick. I can't prevent the thought of his hands on what's mine from steamrolling over me. I'm enraged at the thought, and I'm equally irritated by how much it bothers me. A growl escapes me as I battle conflicting thoughts.